The P-15 target acquisition radar (NATO code name FLAT FACE) was a C-band radar with a target acquisition range of 200-250 miles. It was used with the SA-3 GOA (S-125) AA missile system, and possibly the SA-8 GECKO. It used two elliptical parabolic reflectors mounted one above the other on the shelter van roof. This version was mounted on the ZIL-157 truck. The radar rotated to sit on the roof of the shelter for transport (this can also be modelled from the parts provided). Further information can be found at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-15_radar and https://www.ausairpower.net/APA-Rus-Low-Band-Radars.html.
The model provides the ZIL-157 truck chassis and cab, and a dedicated shelter body to carry the antenna. these should be straightforward to print. The spare wheel is mounted on the roof of the cab, as modelled by the additional part.
The main radar antenna is provided in five parts to permit printing with no supports, as removal of supports on these fine structures is problematic. Orientation should be with the join on the printer bed to minimise overhangs. A brim (Cura) is recommended to ensure t=adequate support while printing. to model in transport configuration, the two coupled antennas should be mounted horizontally on the roof of the shelter body. To model in operational configuration, the antennas can be glued to the spigot and allowed to rotate freely in the roof.
For long-distance deployment, the half-antennas were mounted on the side of the truck body, with supporting structures carried on a two-wheeled trailer (not modelled here).
The printed version shown in the photographs would be improved by more careful removal of spurious whiskers and very fine hair caused by the use of quite old filament, and a lack of optimisation of the print parameters, but this is not inherent in the design. It is still quite acceptable for most applications, as it captures the feel of the radar system.
The product is offered for personal, non-commercial use under the Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0).
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